Chemistry of Maillard Reactions in Processed Foods [Paperback]

This SpringerBrief explains the importance of Maillard reactions in food processing. It underlines that the term Maillard reaction actually does not describe one single chemical reaction, but an entire class of chemical reactions, which lead to browning, with a strong impact on visual appearance, odor, and flavor. It emphasizes that the Maillard reactions are still not fully characterized, despite extensive historical studies.
While under the right conditions Maillard reactions have many favorable effects (e.g. formation of antioxidants), the Brief discusses that there are also conditions where Maillard reactions can result in toxic or mutagenic reactions. Hence, it emphasizes that the reaction should be viewed as a complex network of various sub-reactions, with a plethora of concomitant reaction mechanisms and kinetics. This Brief thus makes a step toward a holistic evaluation of the complexity of the Maillard reaction scheme, with the aim of making better and more targeted use in food processing.

The Importance of Maillard Reaction in Processed Foods.- Maillard Reaction in Processed Foods: Reaction Mechanisms.- Maillard Reaction and Processed Foods: Main Chemical Products.

Salvatore Parisi, PhD, FSPCA PCQI, obtained his MSc from the University of Palermo, and PhD from the University of Messina, Italy. Between 1994 and 2010, Dr Parisi has been involved in different chemical activities working and travelling in different countries around the world, including the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Czech Republic, and United States of America. Dr. Parisi serves as series editor for the SpringerBriefs in Molecular Science: Chemistry of Foods; he is also an associate of AOAC International, USA, Southern California Section, serving in the AOAC Official Methods of AnalysisSM (OMA) Expert Review Panel (ERP) for Fertilizers, the AOAC SPIFAN ERP for 2- and 3-MCPD & Glycidyl Esters, and eight different AOAC wolcR